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RSS FeedOC announces pricing for 2015-16http://www.oc.edu/news/r/oc-announces-pricing-for-2015-16/
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Oklahoma Christian University (OC) will raise undergraduate costs for just the second time since 2011 this fall.

Full-time tuition will rise 4 percent to $19,890, with OC’s total cost of attendance moving to $26,920 per year (including tuition, room and board).

Oklahoma Christian also will continue its policy of not charging undergraduate student fees.

“With 10 straight years of our highest enrollments ever, students and families continue to choose Oklahoma Christian for a first-rate education at an affordable price,” President John deSteiguer said. “We’re honored that more and more students are making OC home, and we want to make college affordable for them.”

On average, OC students will pay a net cost of just $11,500 for tuition, room and board in 2015-16 thanks to scholarships, need-based grants and government assistance. More than 90 percent of OC’s undergraduate students receive financial aid.

OC’s scholarship opportunities include academic merit awards of up to $11,000 per year for students with high ACT/SAT scores and grade point averages, plus full tuition, room and board for National Merit Finalists. The 38 National Merit Finalists in OC’s student body represent the third-most per capita in the state of Oklahoma.

OC’s commitment to affordability contrasts with the nationwide trend; according to the College Board, the average cost of attendance rose 12 percent at private schools and 10 percent at public schools over the past three years. OC’s price went up just 3 percent in that span.

Compared to OC’s current $25,790 cost of attendance, total charges at private schools averaged $42,419 this year while public schools cost an average of $18,943 for in-state students and $32,762 for out-of-state students.

Undergraduate students can take up to 17 hours per semester for OC’s base tuition price, and can further shape their costs with on-campus housing choices that best fit their budgets and needs.

Graduate tuition will range from $420 to $580 per credit hour based on a student’s residency and area of study. Degree completion tuition in OC’s Online RN to BSN program is now $440 per hour.

“Our high placement rates for jobs, graduate school and medical school show that OC graduates are prepared to make a living, but we’re also committed to preparing our students for life,” deSteiguer said. “We’re invested in our young people, and we’re proud of the return on investment they get from their OC experience.”

-- ]]>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 09:00:00 CST20d61c7b-3c43-4a18-b1e6-f3f538b0decbOklahoma Christian wins golds at Oklahoma City ADDYshttp://www.oc.edu/news/r/oklahoma-christian-wins-golds-at-oklahoma-city-addys/
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Oklahoma Christian University (OC) won honors for all of its entries at the 2015 Oklahoma City ADDYs, highlighted by two gold awards.

The humorous “Enthusiastic Spectators” video chronicling a group of OC students cheering at a University of Oklahoma women’s basketball game won bronze in the “Video Webisodes” category.

“Working with the professionals in OC’s Marketing and Communications Office is a joy. I’m not surprised this team was rewarded again at the ADDYs,” Vice President for Admissions and Marketing Risa Forrester said. “I’m also thrilled that this team is about much more than creative that looks great. They understand how design, messaging and strategy impact the bottom line, and they’ve consistently contributed to OC’s 10-year enrollment growth.”

This was the fifth year for OC’s marketing team to compete in the Oklahoma City ADDYs, sponsored by the Oklahoma City Advertising Club. Oklahoma Christian has won multiple awards, including at least one gold, each time.

A new campus café and new coffee shop are two of the big-ticket menu items in OC’s Thrive campaign. If donors give $4,647,209 toward those projects by January 22, 2016, the Mabee Foundation will kick in the final $1 million to help bring those two new student spaces to life.

“Many of Oklahoma Christian’s most important academic and student-centric facilities have been generously funded by the Mabee Foundation, including our library, chemistry labs, and communications studios,” OC president John deSteiguer said. “Mabee’s significant impact on the OC campus continues with this meaningful investment in our student dining facilities.”

To date, donors have given almost $3.3 million toward the campus café, good for 77 percent of the Thrive funding needed. Included in that total is $1 million from food service provider U Dining and $275,000 allocated by OC’s student body, which chose which Thrive project that six-figure anonymous gift would support.

The coffee shop will cost $551,000. With another $850,000 projected for maintenance endowment, the cost of the two projects totals about $5.6 million.

The project will allow Oklahoma Christian to preserve its existing banquet hall, which hosts special events for the university and the surrounding community throughout the year.

The new coffee shop will be located in the second floor atrium of the Mabee Learning Center and Beam Library. It will feature a relaxing gathering area combined with collaborative study rooms.

“We are thrilled and honored that the Mabee Foundation has blessed OC with this $1 million challenge grant,” said Kent Allen, vice president for advancement. “Over the years, the Mabee Foundation has been an important partner in furthering OC’s desire to provide quality facilities for our students, faculty and staff.”

Eight initiatives have been fully funded since Oklahoma Christian launched the Thrive campaign in June. A $1 million commitment by Benton and Paula Baugh of Houston, Texas, provided the startup capital for OC’s reorganized College of Engineering and Computer Science.

-- ]]>Wed, 25 Feb 2015 10:30:00 CSTe571a083-3d22-4a70-add6-0de6d9cf5369OC science professor chosen for prestigious Oxford programhttp://www.oc.edu/news/r/oc-science-professor-chosen-for-prestigious-oxford-program/
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – It may take half a day to fly to Oxford, England, but an Oklahoma Christian University (OC) chemistry professor is more than happy to make that trip.

An associate professor of chemistry at OC, Nichols was selected for her proposal to study the aesthetics and functions of molecular symmetry.

“We classify molecules in inorganic chemistry based on symmetrical look and function,” said Nichols, a 2003 Oklahoma Christian graduate who joined OC’s faculty in 2008. “These classifications are worthy of additional research because the symmetry suggests a design, which also suggests a designer.”

During her two summers at Oxford, Nichols will research literature overviews and case studies of specific molecules. According to Jeff McCormack, dean of OC’s College of Natural and Health Sciences, Nichols’ accomplishment is a reflection of excellence in her work.

“Dr. Nichols is a dedicated teacher and researcher who truly serves OC’s students,” McCormack said. “It is a great honor to have Amanda representing Oklahoma Christian alongside such esteemed colleagues.”

In addition to funding her research and travel to Oxford, the SCIO program will fund an undergraduate research assistant position for Nichols at OC. Nichols will mentor the student, who will serve as a co-author for Nichols’ published research. In addition, Nichols will receive a stipend to help fund a science and religion club at Oklahoma Christian.

“My selection by the SCIO program will enhance how we integrate faith and science in our classes at OC,” Nichols said. “The research assistant position and the new club will provide significant career- and faith-building opportunities that students simply don’t receive at other universities.”

Nichols teaches chemistry classes in OC’s College of Natural and Health Sciences as well as a course in OC’s Honors Program on science and Christianity. Her recent research is focused on science education and mentoring female undergraduates studying STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects. She is a member of the American Chemical Society and has served as a section chair in recent years.

While the SCIO program is new this year, Nichols was encouraged to apply by two OC professors who were chosen for a similar experience a few years ago.

Professor of Physics Len Feuerhelm and Professor of Bible and Philosophy Jim Baird, a graduate of Oxford and OC’s Honors Program director, attended a similar program on the intersection of faith and science at Oxford. That experience led the professors to further enhance their Honors Program course, “The Bible, Science and Human Values.”

“I am incredibly thankful for the encouragement I received from Dr. Baird and Dr. Feuerhelm,” Nichols said. “Their guidance was extremely important throughout this process. I am honored to follow in their footsteps.”

The SCIO program is a research and educational institute at the University of Oxford. It serves as the British subsidiary of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities, an association of 181 Christ-centered colleges and universities around the world.

The Templeton Religion Trust, which funds the SCIO program, is a charity established by British stock investor John Templeton that encourages the study of religion and science.

-- ]]>Tue, 24 Feb 2015 13:00:00 CSTee84b859-23c7-4ff5-9d87-96b5ac48f9e2Spring Sing 2015 features duets, club performanceshttp://www.oc.edu/news/r/spring-sing-2015-features-duets-club-performances/
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Hundreds of Oklahoma Christian University (OC) students will come together to perform in the 47th-annual Spring Sing show March 6-7.

Spring Sing features vocal performances by student hosts and hostesses backed by a live band, plus choreographed presentations by OC’s social service clubs and the freshman class. More than 600 students will be involved in this year’s show, themed “Just Duet.”

“Spring Sing is a variety show,” said Amanda Watson, Spring Sing staff advisor. “Each club picks a theme and songs, then they write new lyrics and add choreography for a five-minute set.”

The organization and production of Spring Sing is done entirely by students through club leadership and an executive committee. Junior Brandyn Treat is the executive director for this year’s Spring Sing and has high hopes for the show.

“The main thing I’m excited about is seeing the unique aspects of this year’s show when they finally come to life,” Treat said. “I’m very excited to see how a show of strictly duets goes and is received by the audience. There are a few other surprises, too.”

This year’s participants include Alpha Gamma Omega, Chi Lambda Phi, Delta Gamma Sigma, Gamma Rho, Iota Kappa Phi, Kappa Sigma Tau, Pi Zeta Phi, Psi Epsilon, Theta Theta Theta, and the freshman class. Chi Lambda Phi has captured first place the past five years and in 11 of the last 13 years.

The hosts and hostesses are: Kirby Allen, a junior music education major from Plano, Texas; Morgan Barnett, a senior early childhood education major from Shawnee, Oklahoma; Ty Belt, a senior social studies education major from Mesquite, Texas; Kennedy McAlister, a freshman music and English major from Ardmore, Oklahoma; Krystal Rodriguez, a senior public relations major from Carrollton, Texas; Hayley Waldo, a junior communication design major from Edmond, Oklahoma; Lane Wheeler, a junior computer science major from Wichita, Texas; and Brandi Williams, a junior Spanish major with a minor in vocal performance from Charlotte, North Carolina.

“I think it is a pretty cool thing is that we make our Spring Visit the same weekend as Spring Sing,” Watson said. “Our Friday night show has a ton of prospective students who come and think ‘I want to be a part of that.’”

Students began working on the show at the beginning of the spring semester. Clubs are allowed to practice a total of 40 hours throughout the semester preparing for the production. Treat said the effort of the students is worthwhile, because it unifies the OC community and appeals to alumni.

“Spring Sing is OC’s biggest production, and it brings a lot of people back on campus, which is great for OC,” Treat said.

There will be three performances open to the public: Friday, March 6 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 7 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. All performances will be in Hardeman Auditorium.

-- ]]>Fri, 13 Feb 2015 10:30:00 CST8e94f47e-bea6-4788-ad6b-33d8ea78c86cOC announces dual degree program with Japan universityhttp://www.oc.edu/news/r/oc-announces-dual-degree-program-with-japan-university/
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Officials from Oklahoma Christian University (OC) and Japan’s Ibaraki Christian University will announce a new dual degree program at a special ceremony Monday.

OC and IC are in the 40th year of mutual exchange of students and faculty, making the partnership one of the longest lasting programs between any two universities in Japan and the United States. Nearly 1,000 students have participated in the universities’ short-term and long-term programs over the past four decades.

The new dual degree program, to be officially announced at OC’s 11 a.m. Chapel service (click here to watch the livestream of the ceremony), creates the opportunity for students from Japan to complete undergraduate degrees from both Oklahoma Christian and Ibaraki Christian. Students will attend classes at IC for two years and complete their final two years on the OC campus.

“Oklahoma Christian is committed to giving our students the finest global education. This means developing strategic global relationships that give OC students unique learning experiences, like this partnership and the more than 20 study abroad and off-campus learning options we offer,” OC director of international programs John Osborne said. “OC and IC have had a wonderful history of cooperation, understanding and care. People on both sides of the ocean transformed difficulties into opportunities, and misunderstandings into patience and acceptance.”

Birthed by former OC administrator Howard Horton and former OC president James O. Baird, the partnership began in 1975 when OC’s first exchange students went to Japan to study Japanese language and culture. The first exchange professor from Oklahoma Christian, Joe McCormack, went to Ibaraki Christian in 1979 and worked on the IC campus for a year.

Over the course of the exchange program, many OC graduates have moved to Japan to serve in various capacities. More than 100 OC graduates have been employed in the Ibaraki prefecture. The Mito Board of Education started depending on Oklahoma Christian to fill English teaching positions in the public school system.

“We are indebted to the founders of the program for their vision and for their hard work to make it a reality,” Osborne said. “May this 21st century be one of greater understanding and cooperation, and may peace and understanding be fostered between all peoples and nations of the world.”

-- ]]>Fri, 13 Feb 2015 08:30:00 CSTc2f28eba-5100-4be5-bdea-db3f32da90aaOklahoma Christian students perform ‘Pygmalion’http://www.oc.edu/news/r/oklahoma-christian-students-perform-pygmalion/
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The Oklahoma Christian University (OC) production of George Bernard Shaw’s play “Pygmalion” tells a classic story through comedy and wit.

The play, set in the early 20th century, is based on the story of the mythological Greek sculptor, Pygmalion, who fell in love with a statue he created.

In Shaw’s interpretation, Henry Higgins is a voice teacher who sets out to transform Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle into a polite duchess. Much to his surprise, Doolittle has a mind of her own.

The play will run two consecutive weekends at Oklahoma Christian: Feb. 20-21 and Feb. 27-28. Performances begin at 8 p.m. each night in Judd Theatre.

Pygmalion’s director, Associate Professor of Communications and Theater Phil Reagan, said the play entertains while still having a moral impact on the audience.

“Shaw intended to get across his points in an effective manner, and he knew that comedy was a much better choice than drama or tragedy if you want people to enjoy what they’re seeing, but maybe learn something about themselves at the same time,” Reagan said. “We want to give the audience something that will entertain them and something they will laugh about. Be we also hope they will take something away from it.”

Junior Morgan Lindsay from Muskogee, Oklahoma, appreciates the statement the play makes about female identity.

“I think a lot of it is very pertinent still today, especially the idea of a woman being able to be herself,” Lindsay said. “Eliza goes to great lengths to get what she wants out of life. She doesn’t let social standards keep her down in any sort of way.”

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The Oklahoma Christian University (OC) Department of Music will present its 26th-annual Valentine Cabaret the weekend of Feb. 12-14.

Themed “A Sondheim Sampler,” the show is directed by Barbara Berard and features piano accompanist Susan Mogilka. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night in Adams Recital Hall.

Composer Stephen Sondheim wrote all of the featured songs, including “Putting it Together,” “Broadway Baby,” “Being Alive,” “Getting Married Today” and “Children Will Listen.”

“We’re marrying, like strawberries and chocolate in a box of chocolates, beats and rests or meaning and music,” Mogilka said. “We have lots of fun comedy things, gorgeous and heart-wrenching things, great choreography, and amazing student vocalists.”

Mogilka said the upbeat nature of some parts of the show combined with the talented student vocalists is what makes the cabaret enjoyable.

“The beautiful vocal quality comes out a lot in this,” Mogilka said. “It’s not just a fun show; it also has gorgeous music.”

In lieu of dinner, dessert will be served during intermission, contributing to the “chocolate” theme, Mogilka said. Dessert options include Chocolate Paradiso, Key Lime Calypso, Pyramid Noisette and Tiramisu.

Tickets are $10 for the Cabaret only and $18 for the Cabaret and dessert. To purchase tickets and find out more information, call the OC Box Office at (405) 425-5530.

Some of “The Posthuman Project” cast and crew members attended the sold-out 6:45 p.m. showing on Jan. 30 for a Q&A session following the film. They also announced future plans as well as available merchandise, including posters and the prequel comic book for the film.

The low-budget, independent film is exclusively screening at AMC Quail Springs 24 between Jan. 30 and Feb. 7. Previously, the movie screened at film festivals, where it earned several honors.

“All of that is awesome and helps add credibility to what we’re doing,” Roberts said. “But to me, it’s way cooler to walk out of a movie and hear a 12-year-old girl tell her dad that was the best movie she’s ever seen. You can’t even put words to that of how emotional - when you pour three years of your life into something and hear something like that. It’s not about winning the awards, but the hearts of the audience.”

The cast has had the ability to gain recognition in various places because of the marketing efforts that have brought the film to the public eye.

“Any kind of award that a film wins is a great little career boost that kind of validates your performance,” said Alexandra Harris, who plays Lisa Thompson in the film. “It’s really awesome and a lot of people have gotten the chance to see it all around the world, which is amazing for someone who’s just starting out, like me.”

These opportunities all were made possible through non-traditional funding techniques, according to Roberts.

“We did two Indiegogo campaigns and three benefit concerts," Roberts said. "We also did a benefit dinner, which raised $60 thousand that night alone. So instead of having three or four typical investors give large amounts, we raised it through tens of thousands of people giving $5 to $2,000. My crew and I thrived on people believing in us. That was way more beneficial to me than having people give a bunch of money upfront."

Roberts said he puts a heavy emphasis on the community involvement and having their love and support throughout the production process.

“I don’t think we could’ve made it anywhere else besides Oklahoma," Roberts said. "When I interviewed Garth Brooks a few weeks ago, he said being from Oklahoma gives you a leg up in the entertainment industry, not just because the people are talented, but the love and support of everyone around you lifting you up. That’s what’s been awesome and why I’m going to keep making movies in Oklahoma.”

The cast and crew have invited fans to the aptly-named “ROASThuman Project” event to help celebrate the end of the film process and other Roberts’ accomplishments at the Sloan Installation Gallery in downtown Oklahoma City on Feb. 7 from 4-6 p.m. There’s a $10 admission fee.

Future distribution possibilities for the film have not been announced, though some Oklahoma Christian University students said they would like to see it come to campus.

“Anytime you can get OC alumni to bring back and show the campus what their accomplishments were is great," senior Caleb Henry said. "For him to accomplish this is a great step; I would love for students to see that it was possible from his degree from Oklahoma Christian.”

-- ]]>Tue, 03 Feb 2015 09:45:00 CSTf5e203c7-bfaf-4fdd-a5e3-8a19244c09c5OC again listed among top game design schoolshttp://www.oc.edu/news/r/oc-again-listed-among-top-game-design-schools/
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – SuccessfulStudent.org ranked Oklahoma Christian University (OC) 21st in the nation on its new list of Best Video Game Colleges.

The list, which ranks universities with undergraduate and graduate programs in video game design, is generated from students’ points of view.

Oklahoma Christian is the only school from Oklahoma and one of just three universities from the southwestern United States to be honored.

“We’ve worked really hard to have an outstanding program so I’m glad OC has been picked up on the radar again as a quality education in the gaming and animation industry,” Professor for Art and Design Jeff Price said.

In OC’s gaming and animation program, students learn 30 software programs, study the history of film, video and animation, and develop their own games in studio classes. Students have access to advanced technology, including OC’s MAC Lab.

Factors in the Successfulstudent.org rankings include well roundedness of academics, cost, career prospects, technological instruction, graduates’ success rates, and schools’ location in relation to entertainment epicenters.

OC’s game design program has received multiple awards in the past, and is one of the university’s fastest growing areas of study.

“Each year we’ve been blessed to have more and more students signing up for our gaming and animation degree and that brings a whole new level of skillful and talented students,” Price said. “The thought of coming to a Christian university that teaches game development really attracts a lot of awesome students.”

For more information about OC’s gaming and animation program, visit www.oc.edu/gaming.

-- ]]>Mon, 02 Feb 2015 14:45:00 CSTdff629cf-a7f2-47aa-9e61-71f09d8c8d7cOC Ethos program introduces RightNow Mediahttp://www.oc.edu/news/r/oc-ethos-program-introduces-rightnow-media/
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The Oklahoma Christian University (OC) Ethos program is now offering students, faculty and staff the opportunity to use RightNow Media, an online source for streaming videos and Bible studies on various topics in the Christian faith.

RightNow Media offers users access to more than 8,000 videos. The content includes video Bible studies, leadership videos and children’s shows. The library contains lessons from authors and ministers like Francis Chan, Matt Chandler, Donald Miller and David Platt.

Members of the OC community can access the site for free and make additional accounts for family members. Users can stream videos online any time from any device.

“RightNow Media has always served churches and recently branched out to serving university campuses,” Dean of Spiritual Life Jeff McMillon said. “When I saw the quality and size of their catalog, plus the outstanding deal they offered, it seemed like a perfect fit for our campus.”

The RightNow Media site contains videos in a variety of topics, including discipleship, marriage, parenting and more. Content is available for adults and college students, plus teens and young children.

The introduction of RightNow Media builds on OC’s popular service, eBibleStudy. That site offers a collection of free Bible studies designed for adults or teenagers that are written by Bible professors from Oklahoma Christian. People from around the world have downloaded more than 80,000 lessons through eBibleStudy.org.

In addition to supporting spiritual growth throughout the OC community, the availability of RightNow Media will help students meet spiritual life participation requirements.

“With so many of our students now taking responsibility for their spiritual life requirements in student-led Bible studies, RightNow Media provides them with so many more resources to plan those studies and tailor them to the specific needs of their groups,” McMillon said.

OC’s second-annual History Speaks event will feature Claudette Colvin and Fred Gray, two pioneers for racial equality in the 1950s and 60s.

Colvin was the first person arrested for resisting bus segregation in Montgomery, Alabama, sparking the famous Montgomery Bus Boycott. Gray served as Colvin’s attorney after she was charged with disorderly conduct.

“Our speakers will share about the events surrounding the Montgomery Bus Boycott,” said Gary Jones, OC’s multicultural and service coordinator. “Portrayed by Cuba Gooding, Jr., in the film, ‘Selma,’ Fred Gray will also speak to his work representing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., successfully representing the victims of the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment, and his success integrating Auburn University and the University of Alabama.”

Colvin was 15 years old when she was arrested in 1955 for refusing to surrender her seat to a white woman on a Montgomery bus. Her arrest took place nine months before the same thing famously happened to Rosa Parks.

Colvin went on to be the star witness in the Browder v. Gayle case, which resulted in the Supreme Court order to end bus segregation.

Gray served as a defense attorney in many high-profile cases throughout the civil rights movement. He represented Parks against disorderly conduct charges after her bus incident and won King an acquittal by an all-white jury from tax evasion charges.

Gray also represented James Hood and Vivian Malone after they were denied admission to the University of Alabama.

History Speaks, part of OC’s McGaw Lecture Series, begins at 7 p.m. on Feb. 9 in Hardeman Auditorium. Admission is free, but tickets must be reserved online at www.oc.edu/historyspeaks. For more information, call (405) 425-5900 or email gary.jones@oc.edu.

Hardeman Auditorium was filled with laughter on January 22 as Donald Miller shared stories and insight with Oklahoma Christian University.

Miller, New York Times best-selling author and evangelical speaker, came to the campus to share ideas about community, perseverance and meaningful living. Accompanying his life-changing ideals, Miller made his lecture light-hearted and humorous.

“I learned a lot,” senior Nehemiah Knox said. “He was able to put a new spin on things that I had not thought about before.”

In addition to his Thursday night lecture, Miller made two other appearances during his time on campus. He spoke in Chapel on Thursday morning and held a private question and answer forum in the Gaylord Room following his lecture. Knox was one of two students who won a seat in the forum by submitting a question for Miller to the Ethos program via Twitter.

“This was the first Q&A I have gone to during my time at OC,” Knox said. “Honestly, I wish I had gone to more of them in the past because OC has excellent speakers.”

Ethos director Summer Lashley organized Miller’s visit to Oklahoma Christian. Lashley said this event was in the works for a while before it came to fruition this semester. She said she initially hoped to take a small group of students to Miller’s Storyline Conference, but realized his message could reach more of the student body if Miller came to campus himself.

“I actually emailed him and said I want you to come and talk to our students about the importance of living your best life,” Lashley said. “Part of what his conference is about is being bold and being courageous and taking risks.”

Miller hit on the topics Lashley desired as well as presenting three “important things” he thinks all Christians should strive for: a project to work on, a community to be vulnerable in, and a redemptive perspective of suffering.

“What if every hard thing that happened to you could be turned into something beautiful?” Miller said.

Miller conveyed his message primarily by telling stories. He discussed the development of his friendships with author Bob Goff and Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll as well as meeting his wife, Betsy. He also shared personal stories about his struggles with emotional health and other suffering he has experienced.

Senior Jace Huser is a fan of Miller and had the opportunity to assist in organizing the event. Huser said he appreciates Miller’s openness in his writing and his willingness to share his own story.

“His first book, ‘Blue Like Jazz,’ was written at a time when he was going through what a lot of what today’s college students are going through,” Huser said. “I think his message can really speak to a lot of college students who are in a transitional period or are trying to find God.”

Lashley said one of Miller’s greatest strengths as an evangelist is his originality. She said she hopes that his lecture will inspire the students at Oklahoma Christian to try new things.

“I want the students to decide to do that one thing that they have in the back of their mind, that little nagging in the back of their mind,” Lashley said. “I want them to actually try it.”

Miller provided other advice aimed towards college students and young adults. He encouraged listeners to invest in relationships that provide “sustenance.”

“Find people you want to be like, and spend time with them and become like them,” Miller said.

Miller attributed all of his success to God and told the audience to rely on their faith to carry out their goals.

“I talk about changing the world, but I think there’s this beautiful part where you take it as far as you can take it and Jesus has to take it the rest of the way,” Miller said. “So, involve him.”

Miller tied his three main points together into one idea: involving God in decision-making and goal-setting is what makes life meaningful.

“I think we should be like Christ,” Miller said. “I think we should have a deep sense of our meaning and do it.”

Kathy Thompson, conductor of the Chamber Orchestra, said the concert is family-friendly and will appeal to a broad audience.

“The pieces that we’re doing are exciting,” Thompson said. “Some of it is from our own century and some from centuries before.”

The Symphonic Band will perform a medley of music from Georges Bizet’s opera “Carmen,” “As Time Goes By,” and “Fanfare and Allegro” by Clifford Williams.

The Jazz Ensemble performance will include “Across the Channel,” featuring senior Laura Blair on saxophone. The group also will perform “In the Mood,” and senior Kandyce Everett will be the featured vocalist for “Almost Like Being in Love” and “Fever.”

OC’s Chamber Orchestra will perform three selections, including Eugenie Rocherolle’s folk and patriotic medley, “An American Portrait,” a fast movement from “Concertino” by Riccioti and an intense reflection of modern dance entitled “Choreography, Three Dances for String Orchestra” by Norman Dello Joio.

The concert will begin at 7 p.m. in Hardeman Auditorium. Admission is free to the public. A live stream of the performance also will be available at www.oc.edu/live. For more information, call (405) 425-5530.

As the first hire by new state Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister, Miller will oversee policy research and development, as well as teacher quality initiatives.

Associate Professor of Education Darin Martin will serve as interim chair of OC’s School of Education while Miller continues to teach in a limited role at the university.

“I am excited and grateful that Dr. Miller will be joining my leadership team,” Hofmeister said. “Her keen intellect, breadth of experience and commitment to education make her a tremendous asset. As both a teacher and a researcher, Dr. Miller brings a unique, much-needed perspective to the challenges of public education.”

Miller graduated from Oklahoma Christian in 1985, then went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and a doctorate in curriculum and education with an emphasis in diversity from Oklahoma State University.

She taught 11th and 12th grade English language arts at Edmond Memorial High School from 1985 to 1995 before launching a 20-year career as a professor at Oklahoma Christian. She served as chair of OC’s School of Education since 2007.

“My entire professional career has been in education, and I am thrilled to embrace a new challenge where I can serve the state of Oklahoma,” Miller said.

“Dr. Robyn Miller believes in the power and importance of education. Her leadership at Oklahoma Christian has ensured modern, relevant and effective programs for our education students, preparing them for success as teachers,” OC president John deSteiguer said. “While we will miss her, I am confident her talent and expertise will lend great support at our state’s Department of Education, preparing young Oklahomans for college and careers.”

Miller is the sister-in-law of state treasurer Ken Miller, who also serves as an associate professor of business at Oklahoma Christian. She is married to Kris Miller, a professor of biology at OC.

The university offers undergraduate programs in more than 60 fields of study, an undergraduate Honors Program, and graduate programs in accountancy, business administration, engineering, Christian ministry, divinity, and theological studies.

The screening will be the Oklahoma premiere of the documentary. The film will be shown in OC’s Cail Auditorium, located in the Davisson American Heritage Building. Narrated by contemporary Christian singer Natalie Grant, “In Plain Sight” features modern-day abolitionists as they fight sex trafficking across America.

Journeying to six U.S. cities, the documentary opens the viewer’s eyes to what is happening down the street “in plain sight.” Through engaging interviews with numerous victims of sex trafficking, the force, coercion and deception of the children and women becomes apparent. In the midst of the darkness, stories of hope and freedom emerge as each survivor shares how she was helped through an aftercare home.

“Most Americans are completely oblivious to the fact that thousands of women and children are enslaved within their own communities,” said David Trotter, co-executive producer. “This isn’t limited to Las Vegas, Los Angeles and New York. We’re talking about cities across America – from Sacramento to Little Rock to Baltimore – where the unthinkable is happening.”

For Grant, the importance of the film centers on concern for children.

“The reality is that children are being ravaged day in and day out. If you have a heart, I don’t understand how this couldn’t be important to you,” said Grant, who also serves as co-executive producer.

With a focus on educating the American public and motivating people to take action, the movie was made available to the public at the end of last month.

“I’m really excited about OCMA’s opportunity to host ‘In Plain Sight,’” said Mindy Borth, president of OCMA. “I hope that it will be enlightening to all who see it and encourages them to be aware of what goes on in our own communities.”

Admission is free for students and faculty of any high school or university. Admission for all others is $3 for one ticket, or $5 for two tickets. Tickets can be purchased at the door, and all proceeds will go toward the licensing fee for the film.

Miller is the author of numerous New York Times bestsellers, including A Million Miles in a Thousand Years and Blue Like Jazz, which later became a feature film.

Through his Storyline conferences, online courses, and related resources, Miller helps people clarify their ambitions and identify goals so they can have the direction they need to live a great story.

Using his expertise to relate stories to brand messaging, Miller has worked with businesses such as Chick-fil-A, Ford/Lincoln, Pantene, Prime Lending, and many others.

“OC is passionate about helping students find meaning in their lives, and our Ethos program plays a vital part in that,” Ethos director Summer Lashley said. “Donald Miller’s lecture will be a launching point for people committed to making a fresh start in 2015. It’s a chance to listen to a fellow seeker tell the story of how he found meaning in his life and how you can, too.”

Oklahoma Christian launched its Ethos initiative last fall to give students multiple ways to grow in faith, serve others and worship God. Students can build their “life resumes” through participating in Chapel services, mission trips, service projects, Bible studies, and other opportunities like Miller’s lecture.

Ethos is rooted in Mark 12:30-31, where Jesus identified the greatest commands: to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and to “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

-- ]]>Thu, 08 Jan 2015 10:00:00 CST18843233-b80b-4cfb-ac60-6d367e829b05Former dean Ben Hutchinson passes awayhttp://www.oc.edu/news/r/former-dean-ben-hutchinson-passes-away/
The OC family is saddened to hear about the passing of former dean and professor Dr. Ben Hutchinson.

Ben worked at Oklahoma Christian from 1998 to 2004, serving as dean of OC’s College of Science and Engineering and as a professor of chemistry. During his time at OC, the university launched its computer engineering program, opened an advanced anatomy lab, and strengthened its commitment to overseas medical mission opportunities for students.

Ben and his wife Nancy, who taught English at OC, also served as sponsors of the 2003 European Studies trip.

After his time at Oklahoma Christian, Ben was the dean of Lipscomb’s College of Natural and Applied Sciences from 2004 to 2009. He then became a faculty member in Lipscomb’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and served in that role until his passing on December 30.

Ben’s memorial service will be held this Saturday at Otter Creek Church of Christ in Nashville.

“I thought a lot of Ben,” said Dr. Jeff McCormack, who worked with Dr. Hutchinson at Lipscomb before coming to OC as dean of our new College of Natural and Health Sciences. “He was a hard worker and did so much for many science programs. He will definitely be missed.”

OC’s undergraduate commencement ceremony begins at 10 a.m. on Friday while the graduate ceremony will start at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Both events will be held in OC’s Hardeman Auditorium.

Dr. Alan Martin, dean of OC’s College of Biblical Studies, will deliver the undergraduate commencement address while entrepreneur and inventor Jay Martin will keynote the graduate commencement ceremony.

OC’s undergraduate degree candidates represent 13 states and seven countries, and majored in 35 disciplines. The master’s degree candidates come from five states and 10 countries and represent 12 graduate areas of study.

Dr. Alan Martin, dean of OC’s College of Biblical Studies, will deliver the undergraduate commencement address while entrepreneur and inventor Jay Martin will keynote the graduate commencement ceremony.

A native of Cape Town, South Africa, Alan Martin began his OC career in 2006 as an associate professor of family ministry.

He became dean in 2010 and helped shepherd two endowed chairs of more than $1 million in the College of Biblical Studies. Under his leadership, the college launched the Center for Global Missions and the Intergenerational Faith Center, hosted the World Mission Workshop, and added a master’s degree in theological studies through OC’s Graduate School of Theology.

Jay Martin is one of the only clinical prosthetists that has been invited by DARPA and NASA to help develop the world’s most revolutionary prosthetics, orthotics, and exoskeletal robotics.

For NASA, he played a lead role in developing the man/machine interface connectivity for an advanced “Ironman” exoskeletal robotic suit for military special operations and first responders. NASA also invited him to be the sole inventor and developer on an initiative to transition his man/machine interface technologies into the space program.

He has launched several successful companies based on his inventions, including the largest prosthetics research and development company in the nation.

OC’s undergraduate commencement ceremony begins at 10 a.m. on Friday while the graduate ceremony will start at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Both events will be held in OC’s Hardeman Auditorium.

Oklahoma Christian, recognized as one of the best universities in the western United States by U.S. News and World Report and The Princeton Review, set a school record this fall with 2,479 students enrolled. Overall, the last decade has featured OC’s 10 highest enrollments ever.

The university offers undergraduate programs in more than 60 fields of study, an undergraduate Honors Program, and graduate programs in accountancy, business administration, engineering, Christian ministry, divinity, and theological studies.

“Pendleton Woods’ heroic World War II and Korean War service record qualified him as a true American hero. But it was his selfless service to his fellow man after escaping from a German Prisoner of War camp that really distinguished him as a great American,” OC president emeritus Dr. Mike O’Neal said. “Thousands of Oklahomans, from Boy Scouts to lonely veterans in the VA hospitals, benefitted from Pen’s generosity and tireless service.”

Woods began an oral history program at Oklahoma Christian in 1969, collecting almost 3,000 oral interviews of interviewees with first-hand knowledge of Oklahoma history.

He also led OC’s American Citizenship Center and spearheaded the Southwest Youth Leadership Conference, an educational summer program for high school students that Oklahoma Christian hosted for more than 30 years.

Woods, a winner of Keep Oklahoma Beautiful’s Lifetime Achievement Award, also helped secure a gift of trees from the Tree Bank Foundation and the Apache Foundation in 2009. Oklahoma Christian named the resulting tree grove in his honor. Many of those trees now help beautify OC’s campus, including the new Boker-Wedel Eagle Trail.

Over the years, Oklahoma Christian named an annual service award in Woods’ honor and awarded him an honorary doctorate for his countless contributions to the university, city, state and nation.

“Perhaps no individual personified the ‘Greatest Generation’ better than Pendleton Woods,” O’Neal said. “He was a true American hero in every sense of the word and a treasure to Oklahoma Christian.”

Woods’ numerous honors include the national Spirit of ’76 Award for patriotic service, the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Medal of Honor, the Jefferson Award for Public Service, the Outstanding Ex-Prisoner of War award, the Older Worker Award, and the MetLife Foundation Older Volunteers Enrich America award.

The author or co-author of more than a dozen books, Woods is a member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame.

In 1999, Oklahoma City’s chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars renamed its chapter in his honor. In 2006, the Boy Scouts of America honored him with an award commemorating his 70 years of service.

Woods’ military service is legendary. On Dec. 10, 1944, while on patrol behind German lines, Woods and seven other soldiers were cut off and surrounded by a German unit. Their squad leader was killed, another person was wounded, and the group of Americans was captured. After five months as a prisoner of war, Woods and his fellow soldiers escaped on April 20, 1945, walking some 125 miles over the next five days to reach American lines.

After the war, Woods joined the Army Reserve and earned a journalism degree from the University of Arkansas. He was later commissioned as a lieutenant and served as the 45th Infantry Division’s public information officer during the Korean War. He remained in the Oklahoma National Guard until he retired as a colonel in 1983, with 41 years active and reserve service.

After 21 years as an editor and press relations director for the Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company (OG&E), Woods joined the staff at Oklahoma Christian.

He lived a life that maximized the second chance he got when he escaped from that German POW camp in 1945. His service included more than 7,000 volunteer hours at the Veterans’ Hospital in Oklahoma City. For 27 years, he set up the equipment needed for chapel services every Sunday morning.

“Public service is fun. It’s not just work; it’s enjoyable,” Woods told The Oklahoman in 2011. “You don’t volunteer to win an award. Sometimes because you worked at it and stayed with it, an award comes along. You appreciate any recognition, but that’s not why you do it.”

The event begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4 in Hardeman Auditorium, located in OC’s Garvey Center. Admission is free.

The evening will open with the traditional processional “Personent Hodie,” a 14th-century carol performed by the University Chorale and Orchestra, followed by a set of Christmas carols, provided by more than 200 students and faculty from OC’s Department of Music.

Complimentary hot cocoa and cider will be served in the McIntosh Conservatory during intermission, with seasonal music provided by OC’s Chamber Orchestra.

Following intermission, the program will continue with music provided by the Chorale, Chamber Singers, Chamber Orchestra and the new University Collegiate Choir.

The program is comprised of favorite holiday carols such as “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Silver Bells,” “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and many more.

For more information, call (405) 425-5530.

Recognized as one of the best universities in the western United States by U.S. News and World Report and The Princeton Review, Oklahoma Christian offers undergraduate programs in more than 60 fields of study, an undergraduate Honors Program, and graduate programs in accountancy, business administration, engineering, Christian ministry, divinity, and theological studies.

The play will begin at 8 p.m. in Judd Theatre and is suitable for ages 12 and up. Admission is free.

Written by Samuel Beckett, this absurdist play debuted in Paris in 1953. It has been called “the most significant English language play of the 20th century.”

Two dilapidated tramps spend their days on a barren road where nothing happens, nobody is certain of anything and there is nothing to do, waiting for the elusive Godot to appear. While waiting for this mysterious person, they perform mundane tasks and have trivial conversations punctuated by serious reflections.

OC’s production of “Waiting for Godot” is directed by senior theater major Joel Barneche.

OC’s 2014-2015 theater theme is “Human Relationships.” The year’s five plays each introduce the audience to a world different from the 21st century, although the characters wrestle with universal themes that are present today, such as social expectations and individual desire.

For more information, contact the OC Box Office at (405) 425-5540. Judd Theatre is located in the Garvey Center, easily accessible from the university’s main entrance at 2501 East Memorial Road in north Oklahoma City.

Recognized as one of the best universities in the western United States by U.S. News and World Report and The Princeton Review, Oklahoma Christian offers undergraduate programs in more than 60 fields of study, an undergraduate Honors Program, and graduate programs in accountancy, business administration, engineering, Christian ministry, divinity, and theological studies.

The championship marked the first regional title for Oklahoma Christian, which won its third straight state championship in October. OC will now advance to the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl in Orange County, California. Last year, Oklahoma Christian took fifth place out of 32 teams across the country.

Oklahoma Christian bested teams from 15 other schools at this year’s regional tournament, including state rivals Oklahoma and Oklahoma State as well as Cameron, Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma Baptist and Oklahoma City. The Texas schools competing were Brazosport, Incarnate Word, Schreiner, St. Mary’s, St. Thomas, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Texas Lutheran, Texas-Pan American and Texas State.

Both of OC’s teams went undefeated in the competition. A one-point differential between the second- and third-place teams kept OC from sweeping the top two spots.

“I am extremely proud of OC’s teams,” said sponsor Jeff Simmons, interim dean of OC’s College of Business Administration. “To win the state tournament, which included excellent students from around Oklahoma is very good. But then, to have both of our teams place at regionals and qualify for the national tournament is just outstanding.”

OC’s championship team included Jasper Bawcom, a senior majoring in teaching English as a foreign language; Gabriel Gasiorowski, a sophomore mechanical engineering major; and Megan McKinley, a freshman political science major. Members of OC’s third-place team were Chas Carter, a senior English/pre-law major; Sean vanDyke, a freshman computer engineering major; and Brandon Yeates, a freshman political science major.

“It is a blessing to be able to work with these inspiring students, who are able to thoroughly consider appropriate responses to complex ethical dilemmas and be able to present a cohesive argument grounded sound moral philosophy,” Simmons said. “When one considers that these students represent our future, one can rest assured that our world is in good hands.”

Wilburn is the preaching minister at the Park Plaza Church of Christ in Tulsa, a congregation of 2,000 people that supports 54 missionaries around the world.

Brazle served as a missionary in Belgium for 16 years before spending 20 years in ministry at the Church of Christ in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Brazle currently works at the Missions Resource Network as co-director of missionary care.

Levering was the family minister at Northside Church of Christ in Wichita, Kansas, for 23 years and recently became the congregation’s pulpit minister. He also co-hosts the Know Your Bible television program.

Smith was the campus minister at Memorial Road Church of Christ for nine years and also served as the vice president for church relations at Oklahoma Christian. He is now the preaching minister at Naperville Church of Christ in Naperville, Illinois.

Arter serves as vice president of minerals and trust property at MidFirst Bank in Oklahoma City and is a member of the Business Advisory Council for OC’s College of Business Administration.

Cole is a partner of Cole and Reed, an accounting firm located in Oklahoma City. He also serves on the Accounting Advisory Board for OC’s College of Business Administration.

Smethers is vice president and product actuarial director at American Fidelity Assurance in Oklahoma City and serves on the Finance Advisory Board of OC’s College of Business Administration.

Hazen works at Tinker Air Force Base as the engineer director for more than 150 engineers developing and maintaining test software for avionics for the Department of Defense.

Hensal began his career as a software and database developer at Chesapeake Energy, and now serves as operations manager of Lane’s Motor Freight Lines in Woodward, Oklahoma. He and his wife also served as missionaries in Vienna, Austria, for six years.

Turner works for John Deere as a product engineer in the area of transmissions and final drives. He has been awarded four U.S. patents for his ideas on off-highway vehicle drivetrain.

Bruce taught guitar as an adjunct instructor at Oklahoma Christian for 38 years and served as worship leader at Quail Springs Church of Christ. He now operates Bruce Piano Service in Edmond and plays percussion in the Oklahoma Community Orchestra.

Collins began his career as a history teacher and librarian at Cambridge High School in Idaho, and now serves as superintendent of Fulton County Schools in Kentucky.

Heath accepted a position as a physical education teacher at Westminster School in Oklahoma City immediately after her graduation from Oklahoma Christian, and has continued to serve there for 44 years.

Gunderson serves as assistant project manager at Timberlake Construction in Oklahoma City. Previously, she worked with the Design + Build Group and completed projects such as the Ford Center and Midtown Condos.

Roberts works as an attorney and uses her bilingual and legal skills to serve Capitol Hill Church of Christ’s Outreach Ministry.

Lackmeyer has worked for The Oklahoman for 24 years, where he has won numerous awards for his coverage of the Murrah Building bombing and other Oklahoma City events. He is the author of four books about the history of downtown Oklahoma City.

Towers serves as the executive director of Lilyfield, a nonprofit Oklahoma adoption coalition. She also is vice president of the board of “Shine! Honduras.”

Hightower has been an emergency room nurse at Mercy Health Center in Oklahoma City and served on a partnership between Mercy and Kigali, Rwanda. She recently accepted an assignment as a travel nurse.

Dr. Nesser has served as the pharmacy director for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority since 2001. The University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy recently named Nesser the 2014 Ralph D. Bienfang Outstanding Practitioner.

Wolf practices ophthalmology in Tulsa and has performed more than 10,000 eye surgeries. He is the department chairman at Hillcrest Medical Center and an adjunct professor for the OU College of Medicine.

Ackerman joined the FBI in 2003 and has worked in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Oklahoma City. He is the supervisor of the Oklahoma City Division Cyber Squad and program coordinator for computer intrusions.

Knowles, who worked at OC as an instructor in the Department of Psychology and Family Studies, now serves as middle school and high school principal at Oklahoma Christian Academy.